He kept Mike Shanahan around for 14 years, even though the last 10 had just one playoff win. For his next head coach, Bowlen hired someone half his own age, perhaps an indication that if all goes well, the Broncos' owner may have made the last big hire of his life.

Bowlen, 64, has chosen Josh McDaniels, a 32-year-old understudy of New England's Bill Belichick, to become the Broncos' new head coach.

Bowlen picked McDaniels even though there's not a responsible bartender in Colorado who wouldn't first greet the Broncos coach by asking to see his ID.

McDaniels is three years younger than Broncos center Casey Wiegmann and five years younger than injured center Tom Nalen, who is expected to retire anyway.

"It's not about how old you are; it's about experience," said Kenny Peterson, the Broncos defensive end who was a freshman backup tight end at McKinley High School in Canton, Ohio, when McDaniels was the starting quarterback. "His dad was a great football coach. His grandfather was a great football coach. Josh has been around football coaching all his life.

"I was hoping Josh would get it because I want good things to happen to great people. And Josh is a great person. Obviously, Mr. B sees something in Josh that will lead this team to a world championship."

As the interview process played out, it appeared McDaniels was the favorite almost from the time Shanahan was fired nearly two weeks ago. The Broncos' five-man search committee of Bowlen, Ellis and front-office executives Jim Goodman, Brian Xanders and Jeff Goodman interviewed six other candidates.

Only McDaniels got a second interview, which he received Thursday night during a six-hour meeting with Ellis, who in recent years has become Bowlen's most trusted confidant.

Because Bowlen is obligated to pay Shanahan about $20 million over the next three years, money was a consideration while seeking a replacement.

First-year coaches with no previous head coaching experience typically receive a salary around $2 million. McDaniels is expected to receive a four- or five-year contract.

The Broncos' search committee also gave serious consideration to defensive coordinators Leslie Frazier of the Minnesota Vikings and Steve Spagnuolo of the New York Giants and Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. But Bowlen saw the most potential in McDaniels.

NFL Playoffs

Bowlen's instincts aside, McDaniels was a surprising choice for several reasons. First, his youthful appearance. Not only is he 32, but at 5 feet 10 inches tall and 160 pounds, the clean-shaven McDaniels appears much younger.

"If he were going to get the job, I would say without exception the players would be surprised when he walks through the door," former Patriots tight end Kyle Brady said in a Denver Post interview last week. "Their first thought will be, 'Who is this kid?' Because even for a 32-year-old, he looks 25.

"But what wins you over is his knowledge, his expertise, his thoroughness, his preparation. These are all preached and practiced by the Patriots organization as a whole. But beyond all that, his ability to relate to players is exceptional.

McDaniels is expected to receive a four- or five-year contract. (AP file photo)

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Another reason to question the decision to hire McDaniels is it seemed the Broncos already had the same kind of coach in Jeremy Bates. Like McDaniels, Bates is 32. Like McDaniels, Bates called the offensive plays during the 2008 season.

Unlike McDaniels, Bates was publicly endorsed by Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler after Shanahan was fired. Bates and McDaniels have become acquainted in recent years during the NFL scouting combines in Indianapolis. Bates is one of six Broncos coaches held over from Shanahan's staff who will interview with McDaniels, but the new coach will have the final say on whom to retain.

"I know Jeremy," McDaniels said at last year's Super Bowl media day. "We have never really talked scheme or anything like that, but we have a cordial relationship.

New England head coach Bill Belichick, right, and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, center, talk with quarterback Matt Cassel during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 9. The Patriots defeated the Bills 20-10. (Elsa, Getty Images)

I think he's very bright."

Another reason McDaniels was a surprise: He comes from a Belichick-led Patriots team that has excelled with a 3-4 defense. The Broncos have built their personnel around a 4-3 system, but after the team's disastrous performances the past two seasons, this would be the time to make the conversion to the 3-4. Longtime defensive coordinator Dom Capers, who is currently with the Patriots, and former Broncos defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will receive strong consideration to become the Broncos' new defensive boss.

McDaniels' father, Thom, is an Ohio high school coaching legend. An undersized quarterback, McDaniels later converted to receiver at John Carroll University in Cleveland. McDan iels got his first coaching job on Nick Saban's staff at Michigan State in 1999, got out of coaching in 2000 but returned at an entry level on Belichick's staff in 2001.

By 2006, McDaniels became the Pats' offensive coordinator, and in 2007 his team set NFL records by scoring 75 touchdowns and 589 points. Although New England lost star quarterback Tom Brady in the first quarter of the first game this season, McDaniels helped guide career-long backup Matt Cassel to 11 wins.

Rockies are on pace to lose 93 games this seasonThe Rockies lost three of four in St. Louis and are on pace to lose 93 games as they come home for a three-game series with Seattle before going back on the road again to face Washington.